LORD RIDDELL'S INTIMATE DIARY OF [October 19*

R. : It is a question of trade union psychology. You will
find that when it comes to the point all the trade unions will
stand together, irrespective of their wages and special condi-
tions of employment. They will not allow the colliers to be
beaten without a struggle.

During the week, strike in full blast. Several interviews
with Hartshorn and Brace. As I anticipated, efforts are now
being made to arrive at a settlement. Secret meetings have
been taking place between L. G., Brace, Hartshorn and
Hodges, I have been taking an active part in some of the
discussions between the miners' leaders and the officials.

23RD.—Golfed with L. G., Eric Geddes and Sassoon
at St. George's Hill. The P.M. very anxious about the
strike, as the railway men have threatened to come out to-
morrow night. Before we started, numerous telephone calls
from Bonar Law and Home, asking L. G. to come to town. He
was, however, determined to have his game of golf, and gave
instructions over the telephone as to what should be done. It
was decided to write a letter to the miners, saying that the
Government were still willing to negotiate. Numerous tele-
phone messages also with regard to the condition of the Lord
Mayor of Cork. What a life a Prime Minister leads !

The Northcliffe Press to-day are all out for a settlement
of the strike and certain sections of the employers have told
the Government that an early settlement is essential.

We returned to Cobham for tea, and I afterwards drove to
London with L. G., We had a long chat. Evidently he was very
uncomfortable about the strike situation. He said, " I was
only called in after the battle-line had been set. It was Hornejs
business. Everyone said, * Let him have a free hand F So I
stood aside, and now I have to shoulder the burden. I don't
want to be the one to down the working-man. I lived with
working-men in my boyhood. They were my companions. 1
sympathise with them. I am all for a fair settlement, but of
course we must have more output."

We discussed the various Ministers. He said that Green-
wood had made a first-rate speech on the Irish question—good
from every point of view,

26ra,—Long talk with Noble Hall, who has been travelling

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